Biochar suppresses conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in manure-amended soils.

ABSTRACT: The environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), particularly in manure-amended soils, poses a growing threat to public health due to the potential transfer of ARGs to humans and animals. Effective strategies are urgently needed to mitigate ARG spread in agricultural settings. Biochar, an eco-friendly soil amendment, shows promise for pollution control, yet its role in suppressing ARG horizontal gene transfer remains unclear. Here, metagenomic analysis showed that manure application significantly increased the relative abundance of ARGs in soil microbiota, whereas biochar amendment reduced it. To determine whether biochar suppresses ARG dissemination by inhibiting horizontal transfer, we established a soil microcosm. Manure application increased the conjugative transf

SUBMITTER: Fang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12422101 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature